Saturn Revitalized with Four New Models for 2007

A decade or so ago Cadillac was one of the least enticing premium brands in the auto sector. Now, thanks to a completely reworked lineup of rear- and front-drive models that have not only broken with tradition by reshaping American design but also deliver performance that match and often exceed European competitors, its got momentum on its side. GM is hoping to see the same results with a revitalized Saturn, its other import fighting brand.

While the brands relatively small dealer network will be waiting a little longer before the critically important OUTLOOK crossover SUV goes on sale, it has plenty to celebrate here and now. New for 2007 is the car it needs in order to go head to head with Toyotas new Camry, Hondas recently updated Accord and Hyundais hot-selling Sonata, the all-new AURA.

Built on the next-generation Epsilon platform, the previous version of the architecture which underpins Chevys Malibu and Malibu Maxx, Pontiacs G6, G6 Coupe and G6 Convertible, and Saabs 9-3 sedan, 9-3 Cabrio and SportCombi, only the upscale Saab looks and feels more European. The AURA carves out a unique path amongst midsize sedans; appearing pricier than most rivals and laced with top-tier features including a state-of-the-art six-speed automatic with manual mode and paddle-shifters, it also delivers higher quality materials than the majority of domestic competitors and does so with tasteful, attractive styling that should help lure converts to the Saturn way of life.

And that way of life, if you havent heard, includes one of the highest customer satisfaction records in the industry that begins with its non-pressure, no haggle pricing policy. Saturn hasnt announced pricing for the AURA yet, however, although you can expect its window sticker to be tempting.

Saturn has announced the price of its new halo car, mind you, and at $23,595 it hopes the new SKY will be as popular as the runaway hit Pontiac Solstice that its based on. All that makes the Solstice a sporty performer has been retained, but the new SKY offers up a completely unique approach to styling inside and out, plus a performance model that receives Saturns go-fast designation, Red Line.

With a base MSRP of $27,895, the turbocharged SKY Red Line kicks the base Saturn roadster up a notch or two in performance, fitting in a 260-horsepower 2.0-liter four-cylinder that results in a 5.4 second run to 60 mph.

At the other end of the performance spectrum Saturns VUE Green Line is all about maximizing practicality and saving on fuel for the lowest price possible. The compact crossover SUV boasts a new mild-hybrid powertrain that combines a 2.4-liter four-cylinder with an electric assist motor for a total of 170-horsepower, but more importantly for cash-strapped young families, a fuel consumption rating of 27 mpg in the city and 32 mpg on the highway. Sound good? Its base price of $22,370 will seal the deal for many looking for an alternative to conventional gasoline-only transportation.

New models such as the VUE Green Line, SKY, and AURA should go a long way in changing perceptions about Saturn, and with little doubt, like Cadillac, its image will collectively turn from yawn inducing to endorphin releasing in no time at all.